Is Online Postage Right for Your Company?

If you're spending countless hours waiting in line at the post office, you know how unproductive it can be. Between trying to figure out whether you need certified mail, return receipt or both, filling out forms and calculating the postage, it can be confusing and costly in both time and money. On the other hand, some of us will do anything to avoid the post office. We'll make wild guesses about postage, overpaying if necessary, just to save the trouble. We keep dreaming of the day when business will take off and one of those big, bulky postage meters will actually become a wise investment for the company.

While we use our computers to make bank transactions, purchase office supplies and conduct everyday business, we could be using them for all of our postage needs too. Forget those clunky postage meters - online postage is the wave of the future for small businesses.

But, is online postage right for your business? Here are some things to consider when determining whether these services fit your needs:

Small Business

While any type of business, big or small, can benefit from online postage services, it's geared more towards smaller businesses that spend far too much time at the post office and don't currently use a postage meter.

Even if you do use a postage meter, online postage services may be more cost effective for your company. Online mailing services (such as Endicia) offer a variety of low fee and no fee solutions. Even if you choose a fee package, it's usually far less than the cost of renting a meter and without the commitment. In most cases, Meter companies charge for renting the meter and often impose high fees for early termination if you choose to return the meter before your contract is up. This is not the case with Endicia's online postage. The company prides itself on having many contract-free services. With several options available, you can choose the package that will be most cost effective for your company - some of which require no special equipment at all.

Streamline and Track

Many online postage services offer great reporting features that can help you streamline and track your mailing system. These features allow you to see what you're spending the most money on, at what time, and where. This valuable analysis tool can ultimately lead to smarter spending.

Consider Costs

As mentioned previously, online postage service is typically much cheaper than renting a postage meter. Still, you'll need to consider the start up costs associated with beginning to use an Internet postage service. It's true; you can use your regular office printer, but you'll need to buy something to print stamps on.

It's important to consider the amount of ink you'll be using in your printer as well. Depending on how much postage you'll be printing, you could find yourself buying a lot more ink. There's also the possibility that, in switching between regular paper and postage sheets in the printer, confusion can result in misprinting, wasting postage sheets, or accidentally printing postage to paper.

Of course, if these things are a concern, you can always consider using a special printer specifically for postage printing. Endicia has several plans that will work with Dymo printers which use thermal technology that requires no ink. And using a dedicated printer for postage means less possibility for misprint problems.

Perhaps the most overlooked issue when considering online postage service is the use of a scale. While it's not required for you to have a scale to use these services, you'll probably at some point have to send something out that weighs more than a .42 stamp (or exact multiples of) will pay for. A quality scale can run anywhere from $60 to $100 (but remember, that's a onetime cost).

While the total cost of these items is truly not significant in the long run, you'll still need to give it some thought before making your decision. If you're looking to get started with online postage, Endicia is making it easy with their DYMO Desktop Mailing Solution package. This includes everything you need to address, weigh, and stamp your mail for the low price of $199.99.

Learning Curve

This shouldn't scare you, but I think it's worth mentioning. The fact is, while you'll never have to go to the post office again, you will have to learn to use the service's software. Don't get me wrong, the software is typically very user-friendly and incredibly easy to pick up, but for those less-than-tech-savvy individuals, it may take a minute to sink in. To help you get started, Endicia offers extensive online help along with email and phone support. Since you will be printing postage and that is equivalent to printing money, always remember to test print your labels and be sure to print to the correct labels and printer. This is especially important when you print stamps as they are not refundable.

These exciting new services are revolutionizing the postage industry and the way we do business. Everything we need for business mail is now at our fingertips, but it's important to determine your company's needs to make a sound decision. Ask yourself important questions about the kind of business you do and the mail you'll be sending. Calculate your current costs (including over/under postage) and the time spent going to and from the post office. Combine it with research on both meters and online services to determine which is right for your company.

For more information on Endicia's special offer for OA members, check it out here: DYMO Desktop Mailing Solution.